Is it worth it... 98-00 Hot hatch choices...

[dubbs]

So - I may be thinking of getting a fun rollerskate for a bit.

Budget is around the £1800 mark

Choices as I see it:

Renault Clio Williams 1 (94/95 vintage)
Peugeot 306 GTI-6 (98-00)
Clio 172 Phase 1 (00-01)

Thoughts? Forget it they'll all be dogs? One more likely to be better than the others? Best performers? Which would take most kindly to some warm, discreet modifications (not barryboy-esque exhausts and tins!!)

Any other cars I should consider NOT on that list?

[number2301]

It sounds like you don't want to be doing much work, in which case you're probably better off with the Clio. At that age they're nice and subtle, about as light as the later cups and places like Ktec do all sorts of tuning packages for them.

Not that a 6 wouldn't be a good car, they're just a touch older and so need a few things looking at.

[dubbs]

So all thing being equal which is the better car, the 6 or the 172?

I had a GTi-6 in 99 and loved it but not had a 172 so don't know how to compare.

Took the 6 on a track day or two (when the normal track car was out of action) which was fun until I melted the brake compound to the disc!! :-)

Which of the two will be the best bet in terms of not sounding like a baby rattle as you drive along

Ta for the quick reply

[Heathwood]

Although a bit behind the french choices when it comes to pure thrills, the EK4 Civic VTI argueably makes a better ownership proposition.

[number2301]

Aye, the Civic even comes with free pipe and slippers

I have to be honest and say I'm working off second hand knowledge but I can't really comment on build quality having driven 205s for too long!

[dubbs]

So which is better, the 172 or the gti-6?

172 as good in both shapes or is the facelifted one not so good?

Why is the 172 preferred to the 182?

[number2301]

dubbs said:

So which is better, the 172 or the gti-6?

172 as good in both shapes or is the facelifted one not so good?

Why is the 172 preferred to the 182?

I didn't think the 172 was much preferred to the 182? I prefer the 172, especially the cup, as it looks a lot nicer.

6 vs 172/182 is too close to call for me. I think I'd go for the 6 personally but that's purely because I know how to tune a 6 engine

[andye30m3]

I had the choice between a 172 and a GTI 6 and went for the 172, but I expect they're very similar in the real world.

I also think the 172/182 are very similar with the phase 1 having the slight advantage of being slightly lighter and I'm also told that the cable throttle on the phase 1 is more responsive than the electronically control throttle on the latter 172/182's

[Defcon5]

106 GTI?

[dubbs]

Definite no to the 106. Very capable little car but bit too small and well styled but very girly looking imo.

[Heliosphan]

I think you'll be looking a long time for a decent Gti-6 for that money. I think they look a bit dated now too.

I'd get a 172 for that money or a Vts - you'll get much more choice and having owned both a 172cup and a Vts they're both an absolute hoot to drive.

[r1ch]

I on the other hand, think you will get a decent gti6 for 1800. Reliable cars, just make sure the cambelts are done every 30-40k and they go forever. Mine was superb, i might actually get another gti6 soon.

For choice id have a 172 over a gti6, but i think you'll get a better gti6 than 172 for your budget. Just my 2p.

[dubbs]

Think the budget will be early "2's" realistically.